I hope 2011 was as good for you as it was for most of the world's cruise lines. Yes, there were a few rogue waves for the industry, but, overall, cruise companies have precious few complaints.

The coming of unique ships that were not copies of a series was announced. Europe's market continues to grow. Australia and Asia also experienced growth spurts. River cruising took a big jump that will become even bigger in 2012.

When you start hearing conversations among cruisers "that I have to give it a try," then you know a segment of the market is gaining traction. Veteran cruisers accustomed to seeing the world go by from eight or nine stories up now want to see it at eye level, precisely what river cruising offers.

A lot of buzz came from Viking's announcements in 2011. In the coming 12 months, Viking will launch six "longboats." Rivers in Russia, China and Vietnam also saw new or refurbished ships slip into their waters. The Mississippi, devoid of river cruisers for several years, will see two paddle wheelers operating in 2012.

On the oceans, many sister ships were launched last year, but most of the talk was about Disney's prototype new ship - the Dream - and Oceania's Marina. The Dream was Disney's first new ship in 12 years. Meanwhile, when Oceania launched the Marina, the venerable Mary Hart was the godmother, and a variety of interesting restaurants, including one by the late Julia Child's French cooking pal Jacques Pepin, was introduced. Sister ships to both will be launched in 2012.

Destinations went through a range of emotions. Some were euphoric, others started breathing again, and others were devastated.

Alaska returned. The new governor of Alaska didn't waste any time in reducing the head tax, along with some promotion, and the combo worked. Alaska cruising was popular again. Meanwhile, for Bermuda, the devastating news was that Carnival will not be back this year, and Princess and Holland America are gone when this season ends. The problem is fixable. Allow gambling while the ships are in port to enhance the revenue and fix some of the transportation problems, and the ships - I'll bet - will eventually return.

Australia grew at a record pace, and, with the announcement that Celebrity's Solstice, Holland America's Oosterdam, and Carnival's Spirit are coming next winter, that hot pace will continue.

Europe was flooded with ships from North America. Royal sent half its fleet, and in parts of the continent, cruise prices became very attractive. In 2012, there will be even more ships and, while the Caribbean had, and is having, a great year, some European product is not selling as expected. It's nice to have it on sale, but if your airfare is higher than the cruise fare, it becomes problematic.

Asia's growth is noticeable. Royal's Legend of the Seas and Voyageur of the Seas will both sail there, with Costa carrying the flag for Carnival Corporation.

My hopes for more overnights have been partly answered. Azamara started the ball rolling, followed by Oceania and the luxury brands, and now, even the larger ships are falling in line.

I am such a fanatic, since there is nothing like being in an iconic port for 36 hours or more, so you can enjoy the city at its fullest, day or night.

It was a surprise to many that two major cruise-line ships failed the tests by the U.S. Center for Disease Control. Cunard's Queen Mary and Royal Caribbean's aging Monarch of the Seas both failed. Queen Mary bounced back immediately, and I suspect Monarch will as well. It had been three years since a major line's ship failed the test.

Unless fuel-oil prices go through the roof, cruisers, depending on the destination, should periodically find some pricing bargains on several departures this year.

Visit portsandbows.com for daily updates on the latest cruise news, best deals and behind-the-scenes stories from the industry. You can also sign up for an email newsletter on the site for even more cruise information.

Sponsored by Cruise Connections. Phil can be contacted directly at portsandbows@gmail.com.

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